Empowering programs with established systems: Evaluating the Clubhouse Model

Clubhouses are intentional communities composed of consumers, referred to as “members,” who work side by side with staff to perform jobs essential to the operation of the Clubhouse. Clubhouse membership affords four primary rights: 1) a right to a place to come; 2) a right to meaningful relationships; 3) a right to meaningful work; and 4) a right to a place to return. Clubhouses are designed to empower members to become increasingly autonomous while still being part of a community. The Clubhouse model focuses on the qualities of the individual that can contribute to the productivity of the Clubhouse and serve as a perfect environment to employ empowerment evaluations. However, while largely directed by program participants, Clubhouses are still beholden to international standards for accreditation and outcome expectations dictated by the state of Hawai‘i. These potential contradictions along with illustrations of evaluation methods be utilized in Hawai‘i will be presented.